Wireless control system and method

ABSTRACT

A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims benefit to prior U.S.application Ser. No. 10/336,466, filed Jan. 3, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,346,374, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/979,199,having a 371(c) date of Apr. 29, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,257,426,which was a national stage of International Application No.PCT/US00/14692, filed May 26, 2000, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/135,979, filed May 26, 1999. The entiretyof application Ser. No. 10/336,466 is hereby incorporated by reference.The entirety of U.S. application Ser. No. 09,979,199, InternationalApplication No. PCT/US00/14692, and Provisional Application No.60/135,979 are also incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to wireless communications devices, andmore particularly to a wireless communications system and method whichfacilitates an automatic wireless connection and wireless communicationof voice and/or data information between various electronic componentssuch as notebook computers, cellular telephones, hand held computingdevices, pagers, audio devices, display terminals and other electronicsystems.

With the increasing popularity of various personal electronicinformation and computing devices, there has been an increasing need toconveniently integrate the operation, and more specifically the transferof information, between one or more of such devices. These electronicdevices may include portable computing devices such as notebookcomputers or personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), such as a hand heldcomputing devices, desktop computers, cellular phones, pagers, audiosystems, display devices, cordless headsets, digital cameras andvirtually any other electronic or electromechanical device that useselectronic information for its operation.

In many environments, such as within an automobile, it would bedesirable to be able to communicate voice and/or data in wirelessfashion between various subsystems of the vehicle, such as an overheaddisplay subsystem of the vehicle, a cellular phone, notebook computer,PDA, pager or other personal electronic device which is carried on theperson of an individual. The ability to transfer information betweenvarious subsystems of the vehicle and the user's personal electronicdevices, in wireless fashion, would increase the ease and convenience ofuse of such personal devices when travelling in the vehicle.

Until the present, transferring information between one or more of thesedevices has most often required that cabling be connected between thedevices. Usually the cabling is “application specific”, meaning that thecabling used to connect, for example, a notebook computer and ahand-held PDA, is specifically designed for only these two components.Thus, the same communications cabling needed for connecting two specificelectronic components often can only be used to connect those twocomponents, and not to connect different combinations of otherelectronic components. Thus, interconnecting different combinations ofelectronic devices for intercommunication is often possible only withspecific and often expensive cabling.

Communication between more than two electronic devices at one time viacabling presents even greater difficulty. Usually some form of hub or“T” connector, together with a mechanical switch and a suitableplurality of external cables is needed. Thus, the user often has verylimited flexibility in linking more than two electronic devices togetherfor communication.

In certain environments, such as within an automobile, it is oftenimpractical for the user to manually connect and disconnect cablingbetween two or more electronic devices, especially when the electronicdevices are portable devices which the user desires to carry whenleaving the vehicle. Additionally, it would be impractical to attempt toconnect such personal electronic devices to existing subsystems of avehicle, such as an overhead display console, with physical cables thatwould be loose within the vehicle. Such cabling could easily interferewith the driver's convenient operation of the various controls of thevehicle or with the comfort and convenience of other passengers in thevehicle.

Radio frequency data communication has traditionally been hampered bythe lack of a standard communications protocol for data transfer whichpermits data to be transmitted between two or more independentelectronic devices. A further limitation with RF data transfer systemshas been the lack of a low cost, low power RF transceiver able to beinexpensively integrated with compact, portable electronic devices suchas notebook computers, cellular telephones, hand-held PDAs, pagers,etc., to enable convenient RF information transfer between two or moreof such devices over short distances of up to, for example, about tenmeters.

Still another limitation with traditional methods for transmitting databetween electronic devices has been the lack of an “automatic” or“unconscious” connection when the devices are in proximity with oneanother. By “automatic” or “unconscious” it is meant an immediatecommunications link which is established between two or more electronicdevices as soon as the devices are within a certain range, for example,ten meters, of each other without any command being input to any of thedevices by the user. This limitation has up until the present requiredthe user to provide one or more commands to at least one of theelectronic devices to begin the process of transferring data between thetwo devices.

In view of the foregoing, it would therefore be desirable to provide awireless communications system adapted for use in automotiveapplications to permit the wireless exchange of voice and/or databetween various portable electronic devices and various electronicsubsystems of a motor vehicle. Such a system would preferably include afirst electronic component which could be readily integrated with a widevariety of electronic devices such as notebook computers, pagers, PDAs,cellular phones, etc., and a second component which could easily beintegrated with various electronic subsystems of a motor vehicle such asan audio system, microphone, in-dash or overhead display system,on-board navigation system, etc. The first and second components wouldalso preferably be extremely compact, lightweight, have low powerrequirements, and would therefore be very easily integrated into thevarious portable electronic devices described above, as well as into thevarious electronic subsystems of the vehicle. The components wouldpreferably be able to automatically establish a wireless communicationslink as soon as the electronic device incorporating the first componentcomes into proximity with the vehicle, where the vehicle incorporatesthe second component. Such a system would obviate the need for anyexternal cables to be attached between the electronic device(s) and thesubsystem(s) of the vehicle.

Another example of an application where such a system would be highlyuseful is in the manufacturing of an automobile. If pertinentinformation concerning one or more of the vehicle's components orelectronic subsystems could be quickly and automatically accessed andtransmitted, via a high speed wireless communications link, to anelectronic diagnostic/verification test system stationed along side anassembly line on which the vehicle is moving, then real timeverification tests could be performed on the various electronicsubsystems of the vehicle as it being manufactured. Such automaticallycreated wireless communications links would significantly enhance a widerange of other applications.

Furthermore, it would be desirable if such a wireless communicationssystem could be provided which does not add appreciably to the overallcosts of such portable electronic devices or to the costs of variouselectronic subsystems of the vehicle. Preferably, the system wouldprovide a manner of transmission that also ensures very secure wirelesstransmissions to limit the possibility of the devices being susceptibleto electronic “eavesdropping” or the data being intercepted by other RFdevices operating in the same frequency spectrum.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment, a system for communicatinginformation is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF)transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver is configured tocommunicate with a personal digital assistant (PDA) located external tothe transceiver using wireless RF signals to transmit informationbetween the transceiver and the PDA.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a system for communicatinginformation is described. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF)transceiver coupled to a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with aportable computing device located external to the transceiver usingwireless RF signals to transmit information between the transceiver andthe portable computing device.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, a method forcommunicating information is described. The method comprisescommunicating information between a transceiver coupled to a vehicle anda personal digital assistant (PDA) located external to the transceiverusing RF signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various advantages will become apparent to one skilled in the art byreading the following specification and by referencing the followingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram drawing of a wireless communications system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment being used to transferinformation between an electronic device of the user and an audio systemand a display system of a motor vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communications systembeing used to perform vehicle diagnostics on a motor vehicle by creatinga wireless communications link between a notebook computer runningdiagnostics software and a vehicle interface circuit associated with amotor vehicle;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedin an assembly operation in which information is transmitted from RFtransceivers located in each vehicle to an assembly line monitoringsystem such that information needed for the manufacture of each vehiclecan be requested in advance and thereafter made ready as needed duringassembly of the vehicle;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedto create a high speed data link between a drive-through restaurant menuand the various electronic subsystems of the motor vehicle to enableinformation from the drive-through menu to be broadcast and/or displayedby the vehicle's electronic subsystems;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedin connection with a key fob to enable data to be transmitted from thekey fob to a vehicle bus interface of a motor vehicle to control varioussubsystems of the vehicle;

FIG. 5A is a block diagram of the major components of the key fob ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram drawing illustrating a wireless communicationslink created between a key fob carried by the user and a work PC toenable data files to be transmitted in wireless fashion between the PCand the key fob;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the key fob of FIGS. 5 and 5A being used totransmit files in wireless fashion from the key fob to a home PC;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment beingused to create a wireless communications link between a cellular phoneand a proprietary voice recording/playback system manufactured by theassignee of the present application and presently used on motorvehicles;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system being usedto create a wireless data link between a home PC linked to the Internetand various electronic subsystems of a motor vehicle to thereby enableinformation from the Internet to be transmitted to the subsystems of thevehicle automatically;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to establish a wireless communications link between a cellularphone and various electronic subsystems of a motor vehicle after thecellular phone has linked with a wireless service organization;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to establish a wireless data link between a cellular phone of auser and one or more subsystems of a vehicle, where the cellular phoneis linked with a wireless service organization so that “push” servicesfrom an Internet service provider can be used to provide personalizedtraffic, weather or other information automatically from the Internet tothe user as the user travels in the vehicle;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to create a wireless data link between a gas pump kiosk of aservice station and the subsystems of a vehicle, where the gas pump islinked to the Internet, such that information from the Internet can betransmitted in wireless fashion to one or more electronic subsystems ofthe vehicle while the vehicle is parked near the gas pump;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to create a wireless data link for downloading map directionsdownloaded onto a home PC off of the Internet directly to one or moreelectronic subsystems of the vehicle while the vehicle is in closeproximity to the home PC;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a wireless communications system beingused to transmit corporate information or messages from a wirelessservice organization to a fleet vehicle, where the information isprovided over the Internet from a corporate computer system, and suchthat the information can be provided via a wireless data link directlyto the various subsystems of a fleet vehicle;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a vehicle having a wireless controlsystem, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a wireless control system and a remoteelectronic system, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a visor having a wireless controlsystem mounted thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to an exemplary embodiment, a system for communicatinginformation includes a vehicle interface system configured to receivevehicle system information from a vehicle system and a trainabletransceiver coupled to a vehicle. The trainable transceiver can beconfigured to receive the vehicle system information through the vehicleinterface system. The trainable transceiver can be further configured towirelessly communicate with a first electronic device located externalto the trainable transceiver to transmit the vehicle system informationbetween the trainable transceiver and the first electronic device.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a system for enablingwireless information transfer includes a first electronic device mountedin a vehicle, a second electronic device located external to the firstelectronic device, and a trainable transceiver located external to thefirst electronic device. The trainable transceiver is configured towirelessly communicate information between the first and secondelectronic devices.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for communicatinginformation includes receiving vehicle system information through avehicle interface system and wirelessly communicating the vehicle systeminformation between a trainable transceiver coupled to a vehicle and anelectronic device located external to the trainable transceiver.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a method for wirelesslytransferring information includes receiving electronic information at afirst electronic device, the first electronic device including a firsttransceiver, and wirelessly transmitting the electronic information fromthe first electronic device to a second electronic device, the seconddevice including a second transceiver. At least one of the first andsecond electronic devices is positioned within an automobile and thetransceiver of the device positioned within the automobile is trainable.The electronic information is transmitted from the first electronicdevice to the second electronic device.

An exemplary embodiment is directed broadly to a wireless communicationssystem and method for transmitting information between two or moreelectronic devices. In one exemplary embodiment a miniature RFtransceiver is integrated into each electronic device. The RFtransceivers are low power, short range transceivers that enable theexchange of voice and/or data information between the two devices. Thewireless communications link between the devices is establishedautomatically when the devices come within a predetermined proximity toeach other. Thus, information can be transmitted automatically from onedevice to the other without any action from an individual monitoring orpossessing one of the devices and without the user having to connect oneor more external cables between the devices.

In one exemplary embodiment, a wireless communication system makes useof the Bluetooth communications standard for establishing a wirelesscommunications link between two devices, where each device is equippedwith a RF transceiver operating in accordance with the Bluetoothcommunications standard. This enables two or more devices to beconnected via high speed, wireless communications links to permit voiceand/or data information to be exchanged between the various devices. Thedevices communicate on the 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band and employencryption and authentication schemes, in addition to frequency hopping,to provide a high measure of security to the transmission of databetween the devices. Advantageously, the wireless communications link iscreated automatically as soon as the two devices come into proximitywith each other.

In some exemplary embodiments, the RF transceivers each comprise lowpower components providing a limited range of up to about 100 meters.Each RF transceiver has a negligible power consumption, as compared withthe device with which it is integrated. Each RF transceiver canautomatically form ad hoc communications links with other RFtransceivers passing within the predetermined transmission range.

The various exemplary embodiments enable voice and/or data informationto be transmitted between a wide variety of devices without any commandor intervention by the user. The exemplary embodiments lend themselvesespecially well to applications involving the transfer of informationbetween various portable electronic devices and the various electronicsubsystems of a motor vehicle. The exemplary embodiments further enablethe transfer of information between a motor vehicle and other electronicsystems outside of the vehicle, which makes the embodiments ideallysuited to applications involving assembly of the vehicle, assisting intransmitting diagnostic information to and from a vehicle, and a widevariety of other applications where it is desirable to transmitinformation to a user traveling in a motor vehicle.

The various exemplary embodiments are also ideally suited toestablishing wireless communications links for a wide variety of otherhome, business, and commercial applications. A wide variety ofelectronic devices can thus be networked together for informationsharing.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communications system 10 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The exemplary embodiment isbroadly directed to a wireless communications system 10 in which atleast one pair of RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b are used to create awireless communications link between at least two independent electronicdevices. Each RF transceiver 10 a and 10 b operates in accordance with asuitable wireless communications protocol or standard to enable wirelesscommunications between the transceivers 10 a and 10 b. The specificprotocol or standard used also preferably enables the wirelesscommunications link to be established automatically when the two RFtransceivers come into proximity with each other. The specific protocolor standard may be the Bluetooth communications standard or the SharedWireless Access Protocol-Cordless Access (SWAP-CA) specification, or anyother suitable wireless communications specification that enables voiceand/or data information to be transmitted between the two RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b.

The Bluetooth communications standard was established for creating smallform factor, low-cost, short range RF links between mobile telephones,notebook computers, PDAs and other portable electronic devices. It isthe result of a joint effort between several major commercialorganizations to develop a RF communications standard for creatingsecure, wireless communications links between portable electronicdevices such as cellular phones, PDAs, computers and other electronicdevices. The Bluetooth communications standard is presently an “open”standard that enables short range, secure, RF transmission of voiceand/or data information between such portable electronic devices to thuseliminate the need for physical cables for interconnecting the devices.Its implementation is based on a high performance, but low cost,integrated RF transceiver chip set. The Bluetooth standard furtherprovides the potential for automatic and rapid “ad hoc” wirelessconnections when two or more devices equipped with RF transceiversoperating in accordance with the Bluetooth standard come into proximitywith each other.

The Bluetooth standard makes use of the free, universal 2.4 GHzIndustrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band and a frequency hoppingscheme using 1600 hops/second. Encryption and authentication are builtinto the Bluetooth standard along with an automatic “output poweradaption” feature that automatically reduces the output power of the RFtransceiver to only (and exactly) that amount of power which is neededto accomplish the data transmission.

The Bluetooth standard specifies a minimum RF receiver sensitivity of−70 dBm and the nominal output power is specified as 0 dBm (i.e., 1 mW),which eliminates the need for an off-chip power amplifier. With a 0 dBmtransmit power, the typical range for the RF transceiver is up to about10 meters. The range can be extended to about 100 meters by augmentingthe RF transceiver chip set with an external power amplifier to increasethe transmit power to a maximum of 20 dBm. The maximum data transferrate between two Bluetooth transceivers is slightly under 1 Mbits/sec.The data rate for a voice channel is 64 kbits/sec (GSM-13 kbits/sec). Asuitable RF transceiver for use with the Bluetooth standard can beformed relatively inexpensively as a single CMOS integrated chip. Assuch, the RF transceiver can be manufactured sufficiently small suchthat it can be readily incorporated into virtually all portableelectronic devices without adding appreciably to the size, cost, weightand power consumption of such devices. Additional information on theBluetooth standard can be obtained at URL address www.bluetooth.com.

Advantageously, the Bluetooth standard presently supports wirelesscommunications networks termed “piconets” of between two to eightdevices actively communicating with each other. Additional devices canbe “parked” and accessed as needed. Within a piconet, one of the devicesacts as the “master” device, which determines the frequency hoppingpattern, packet timing, and which coordinates transmissions to the other“slave” devices. The slave devices can also be members of more than onepiconet at a time, thus forming an ad hoc arrangement of multiplepiconets termed a “scatternet”. Thus, networked communication ofnotebook computers, PDAs, mobile phones, and other devices are providedfor with the Bluetooth standard.

The SWAP-CA specification is another wireless communications standardthat potentially could be employed by the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b.The SWAP-CA specification also is intended to use integratedtransceivers on a 2.4 GHz frequency hopping scheme for wirelesscommunications between various products and appliances used in homes.With this standard, the data transfer rate for information is 2Mbits/sec.

Accordingly, while the Bluetooth or SWAP-CA specifications may bereferenced throughout the discussion of the various exemplaryembodiments, the exemplary embodiment should be understood as not beinglimited to the use of one or the other of these specifications, ornecessarily to any specific communications specification.

Although RF transmitters are described in several embodiments, it isunderstood that any type of wireless transmitter can be us to transmit awireless signal. Examples can include infrared transmitters, soundtransmitters, visible light transmitters, etc.

In FIG. 1, one RF transceiver 10 a is integrated into a first electronicdevice 12 while the other RF transceiver 10 b is disposed within a motorvehicle 14. The electronic device 12 may comprise a notebook computer, ahand-held PDA, a cellular phone, a pager, or any other portableelectronic component. The first RF transceiver 10 a includes an antenna16 for enabling two way communications with the RF transceiver 10 a.Likewise, the second RF transceiver 10 b also includes its own antenna18 for enabling two way communications. The vehicle 14 typicallyincludes an audio system 20 and a display system 22. The display system22 may be mounted-in a dashboard or instrument panel, an overheadconsole, a floor mounted console, a visor, a rear view mirror or at awide variety of other locations inside the vehicle 14. The display 22may comprise a small cathode ray tube (“CRT”), a liquid crystal display(“LCD”) or various other forms of displays which are easily visible indaytime as well as nighttime driving conditions.

Each of the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b are preferably formed asintegrated circuit components which have an extremely low powerconsumption relative to the device with which they are integrated.Accordingly, the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b can be maintained in an“on” state even when the electronic device with which it is associatedis turned off. The RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b are further extremelycompact and relatively inexpensive such that the overall dimensions ofthe electronic device are not appreciably increased by the inclusion ofone of the transceivers 10 a or 10 b, and further such that the overallcost of the electronic device does not increase appreciably.

In FIG. 1, when the electronic device 12 comes into the vicinity of thevehicle 14, a high speed, automatic, wireless data link is createdbetween the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b. The required proximitywill vary depending upon the power output of each transceiver 10 a and10 b. For a 0 dBm (1 mW) power output, a transmission range of up toabout 10 meters is provided. Providing a suitable external amplifier toincrease the output power of each RF transceiver 10 a or 10 b to amaximum of 20 dBm will increase the transmission range up to about 100meters. It will be appreciated, however, that with even greater poweramplifiers an even greater transmission range can be expected.Currently, the Bluetooth standard identifies a 20 dIBm maximum poweroutput. Accordingly, the transmission range allows electronic device 12to be outside the vehicle, meaning not within the passenger compartmentand/or not within any compartment of the vehicle.

Once the wireless communications link is established between the two RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b, information from the electronic device 12can be transmitted to transceiver 10 b and then output to the vehicle'saudio system 20 and/or to the display system 22. Thus, the user is notrequired to type in or otherwise give any commands to the electronicdevice 12 before the wireless communications link is established. Onceestablished, the communications link enables information from theelectronic device 12 to be automatically transmitted via RF transceiver10 a to the receiving RF transceiver 10 b. In this manner, a widevariety of useful information such as personal calendars, e-mailmessages, telephone directories, and virtually any other form of textinformation can be displayed on the vehicle's display system 22. If anexternal “text-to-speech” module is incorporated for operation with thesecond RF transceiver 10 b, then text information can be converted intoaudio before being transmitted to the vehicle's audio system 20 forplayback. Thus, if the electronic device 12 comprises a notebookcomputer with a CD player, any information available on the CD canpotentially be converted to speech via the external text-to-speechmodule and the vehicle's audio system 20. Thus, a wide variety ofCD-based or Internet-based audio material such as books, educationalmaterials, etc. could be played over the vehicle's audio system 20 whilethe user is in the vehicle 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown. This implementation is used tofacilitate performing diagnostics on a motor vehicle 14 via theelectronic device 12. In this example, the electronic device maycomprise a notebook computer or other electronic instrument loaded withdiagnostic software specifically suited to the vehicle being tested. Thefirst RF transceiver 10 a is integrated into the electronic device 12and the second RF transceiver 10 b is integrated for communications witha vehicle interface system 24. The vehicle interface system 24 is inturn configured for two way communications via a data bus 26 withvarious electronic subsystems of the vehicle 14 such as the vehicle'sElectronic Control Module (ECM) 28, a fuel sensor 30, an exhaust sensor32, a wheel speed sensor 34 or virtually any other form of sensor whichprovides an electronic output signal related to its operation.

The wireless data link may be created automatically as soon as thevehicle 14 enters a service bay or other designated service area. Thefirst RF transceiver 10 a automatically begins transmitting diagnosticsinformation or vehicle system information stored in an associated memory(not shown) to the second RF transceiver 10 b to begin the diagnosticstesting. Information transmitted can include any stored information thatwould be useful in assessing performance for any system associated withthe vehicle. Information is transmitted back to the first transceiver 10a by the second transceiver 10 b as information is received from thevehicle interface 24 from each of the sensors/components 28-34 undertest. This information is then used by service personnel to determinethe operational status of each of the sensors/components 28-34 on-boardthe vehicle 14. While the electronic device 12 has been described as anotebook computer, it will also be appreciated that the device 12 couldjust as readily comprise a personal computer or other form of computeradapted to run the diagnostics software.

It will be appreciated that the automatic wireless communications linkenables various diagnostics to be performed on a motor vehicle evenwhile other operations, for example, an oil change, are being performedsimultaneously with the running of the diagnostics. This implementationcan significantly reduce the manpower required to perform variousservice-related operations on a motor vehicle as well as decrease thelength of time needed to perform a full service checkup/tune-up on avehicle when the vehicle is brought in for routine maintenance such asoil changes, wheel alignments, air and fuel filter changes, wheelbalancing, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown being used in the assembly process ofa motor vehicle. In this implementation, the first RF transceiver 10 aof the system 10 is integrated with an assembly line computer/monitoringsystem 36. Each one of a plurality of vehicles 14 ₁-14 _(n), travelingon assembly line conveyor 38 includes a module 40 having the second RFtransceiver 10 b integrated therewith. The module 40 can be programmedto include information regarding the specific options that itsassociated vehicle 14 is to include. Such options could comprise thetype of interior, audio system options, interior trim package,powertrain options or any other equipment that will be needed tocomplete the manufacture of that particular vehicle 14.

As each vehicle 14 ₁-14 _(n), moves along the assembly line conveyor 38into proximity with the computer/monitoring system 36, an automaticwireless communications link is established between each RF transceiver10 b, one at a time, and the RF transceiver 10 a of the computermonitoring system 36. Information regarding the options that eachparticular vehicle 14 ₁-14 _(n), is then transmitted via the wirelesscommunications link to the computer/monitoring system 36, which in turnis transmitted over a communications link 42 to an inventory managementcomputer 44. It will be appreciated that the communications link 42could be a wire-based link or could even be formed by an additional pairof RF transceivers in accordance with the teachings described herein toform a second wireless link. The only limitation here would be thedistance to the inventory computer system 44 from theassembly/monitoring computer system 36.

The above-described implementation enables the wireless communicationssystem 10 to thus be used to synchronize the supply of needed equipmentand materials to each vehicle 14 ₁-14 _(n) moving on the assembly lineconveyor 38 to ensure that exactly the proper equipment is provided foreach vehicle.

It will also be appreciated that the implementations described inconnection with FIGS. 2 and 3 could be combined to enable variouselectronic modules and subsystems of the vehicle to be testedimmediately as the vehicle moves along the assembly line conveyor 38.This feature would enable a vehicle diagnostics computer locatedadjacent to the assembly line conveyor 38 to run tests on the vehicle'smodules and electronic subsystems to detect defective components beforethe vehicle proceeds to the next step of the assembly process. Thisfeature would save the significant costs associated with manuallyremoving various electronic modules and components from the vehicle fortesting and repair when a defective component is detected after assemblyof the vehicle is complete.

Referring now to FIG. 4, yet another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is illustrated. This implementation is inconnection with a retail transaction in which a drive-through menu board46 has a first RF transceiver 10 a of the wireless communications system10, in addition to a secure transaction RF transceiver 48, integratedtherewith. The vehicle includes the second RF transceiver 10 b inaddition to a secure transaction transceiver 50. As the vehicle 14approaches the drive-through menu board 46, the RF transceivers 10 a and10 b automatically establish a high-speed wireless communications link.A secure datalink is established between transceivers 48 and 50 by whichelectronic payment can be authorized by the driver of the vehicle 14.Menu information is then automatically downloaded over the high-speedcommunications link between the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b onto asystem control device 54. The system control device 54 acts as aninterface to transmit the information to the vehicle's display system 22and/or the vehicle's audio system 20 for playback. If a suitablemicrophone 58 is coupled to the vehicle 14, authorization for thetransaction may be provided verbally by the driver and transmitted viathe communications link between the secure transaction transceivers 48and 50 back to the drive-through menu board 46.

It will be appreciated that the above-described implementation could bemodified to enable drive-through banking transactions, drive-throughprescription ordering—or a wide variety of other retail transactionsmade from within a vehicle without the need for the driver to leave thevehicle 14 to effect the transaction. Other applications could includetoll collecting, fuel purchases at service stations and othertransactions that could potentially be made more conveniently and morequickly by the use of the wireless communications system 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, an implementation involving a programmable key fob60 is illustrated for setting and adjusting various components of thevehicle 14. The key fob 60 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5A andincludes the first RF transceiver 10 a of the wireless communicationssystem 10, the antenna 16, a suitable battery 62 for providing power anda suitable memory 64. The second RF transceiver 10 b of the system 10 isintegrated into the vehicle electronics to communicate with the vehiclebus interface 24 via the vehicle bus 26, and further with variousmodules 66-72 for controlling various components of the vehicle 14.

As the user approaches the vehicle 14 when carrying the key fob 60, ahigh speed, wireless communications link is automatically establishedbetween the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b. Information stored in thememory 64 of the key fob 60 is then transmitted to the secondtransceiver 10 b and used to control various modules of the vehicle 14in accordance with preprogrammed settings by the user. Thus, informationrelating to the precise position of a power seat, volume and channelinformation of the radio 72, climate control information for the HVAC70, rearview mirror or external mirror position information, etc., canall be stored in the memory 64 and automatically transmitted to thevehicle 14 as the user approaches the vehicle. The seats of the vehicle14, climate control settings, radio channel and volume settings, mirrorpositions, etc. can all be automatically adjusted by suitable vehicleelectronics even before the user enters the vehicle 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 using the programmable key fob 60 isillustrated. In this implementation the key fob 60 is used tointerrogate a PC 74 at the user's place of business. Selected filesstored on the hard drive or in random access memory (RAM) of the PC 74can be transmitted via a wireless communications link establishedbetween the RF transceiver 10 a of the key fob 60 and the second RFtransceiver 10 b, which is integrated with the work PC 74. Theinformation is stored in the memory of the key fob 60 before the userleaves his/her place of business.

Referring to FIG. 7, as the user arrives at his/her home, a home PC 76is automatically linked with the key fob 60 by the RF transceiver 10 aof the key fob 60 and a second RF transceiver 10 b integrated with thehome PC 76. The automatically created wireless communications link isused to transmit information stored in the memory 64 (FIG. 5 a) of thekey fob 60 to the individual's home PC 76.

Referring now to FIG. 8, yet another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown in which a cellular phone 78 is linkedwith a proprietary speech recording/playback system 80 availablecommercially from the assignee of the present application and marketedunder the trademark “Travelnote®”. The Travelnote system enables thedriver or other vehicle occupant to speak directly into a microphone 82to record any notes or other information which the user would otherwisewrite down on paper, but which cannot be accomplished easily whiledriving the vehicle 14. The notes or other information can be playedback from the Travelnote recording/playback system 80 over a speaker 84once the user reaches his/her destination and prior to exiting thevehicle 14. The Travelnote recording/playback system 80 is described indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,420, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

In this implementation, the RF transceiver 10 a is integrated with thecellular phone 78 and the second RF transceiver 10 b is integrated withthe Travelnote recording/playback system 80. The Travelnoterecording/playback system 80 may be located within a visor or rear viewmirror 86. Alternatively, it may be located on the dashboard, overheadconsole, or any other convenient location within the vehicle 14. Thewireless communications system 10 provides a high-speed, wirelesscommunications link between the cellular phone 78 and the Travelnoterecording/playback system 80 to enable “hands free” use of the cellularphone 78. Thus, the user need not hold the cellular phone 78 in one handwhile driving; the phone 78 can be placed on a console or seat adjacentto the user while the user carries on a hands-free conversation via themicrophone 82 and speaker 84 of the Travelnote playback/recording system80.

A further advantage is that the wireless communications link between theRF transceivers 10 a and 10 b is created automatically when the cellularphone 78 comes into proximity with the second RF transceiver 10 b withinthe vehicle 14. Thus, the user need only dial a number from the cellularphone 78 to place a call and the conversation thereafter can beconducted via the Travelnote system 80. Alternatively, a call could evenbe placed via commands and numbers spoken into the microphone 82 andtransmitted via the wireless communications link to the cellular phone78. Useful information received by the cellular phone 78 could even bedisplayed on a small portion of a rearview mirror. Such informationcould include auxiliary phone annunciators, a “low battery” warningindicating a low battery power condition for the cellular phone 78 orother incoming call information received via the phone 78.

A modification of this implementation involves modifying theabove-described Travelnote system to send and/or receive digitalinformation such that the Travelnote system can be used to pass digitalinformation to and from a computing device 79 such as a hand-heldcomputing device or a laptop computer. With this capability, theTravelnote system could be used to transmit information received by afacsimile transmission or email communications to the computing device.This digital information would be first received by the user's cellularphone 78. Preferably, an infrared communications link 79 a is alsoestablished by suitable hardware between the cellular phone 78 and thecomputing device 79. The infrared link is used to transmit digitalinformation between the computing device 79 and the cellular phone 78.Preferably, an infrared link 79 b is also established between theTravelnote system and the computing device 79 so that digitalinformation can just as easily be transmitted directly between thecomputing device 79 and the Travelnote system. Messages sent to theTravelnote system could be stored therein for future downloading toanother computer. The computing device 79 could also send stored phonenumbers stored to the Travelnote system to simplify the dialing of phonenumbers.

As will be appreciated, other implementations can be made in connectionwith a home and/or vehicle. For example, RF transceiver 10 a could bedisposed in a cellular phone while RF transceiver 10 b is disposed in aHomeLink® system which is proprietary to the assignee of the presentapplication. The HomeLink system can be programmed to interface with,for example, a garage door opener to open the garage door when a controlunit of the HomeLink system is actuated by a user. By incorporating RFtransceiver 10 b into the HomeLink system, the user could enter apredetermined code in the cellular phone which is received by theHomeLink system and which causes the HomeLink system to open the garagedoor. In this manner, if an individual was not in his/her vehicle ashe/she approached their house, the garage door could still be easilyopened without the user having the garage door opener unit.

In another implementation, one or more RF transceivers 10 a are used inconnection with various devices in a home. A second RF transceiver 10 bis placed in a garage. The second transceiver 10 b serves as a portalfrom the user's car to those devices in the home that are equipped withRF transceivers 10 a. The garage-based RF transceiver 10 b is able tointerface and interact with those devices incorporating a RF transceiver10 a, such as a home PC, appliances, etc.

In still another implementation, one RF transceiver 10 b could belocated within a vehicle while a second RF transceiver 10 a could beassociated with a computer located either at a vehicle dealership or ata home. When a vehicle is manufactured, all parts could be tagged in theplant so it is known which specific parts are installed on the vehicle.This information could be stored in a database stored in a memory devicein the car. In addition, warranty information for those parts, as wellas for the car as a whole, could be stored in this database.

When the vehicle is in proximity to the first RF transceiver 10 a whilethe vehicle is being serviced at a dealership, service personnel couldeasily access information stored in the memory device via the wirelesslink between RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b. This would provide immediateaccess to information on the various components of the vehicle, as wellas warranty information.

In yet another implementation similar to that described immediatelyabove, only the Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”) is delivered tothe computer from the RF transceiver 10 b located in the vehicle. TheVIN is then used by the computer to access a database which is remotefrom the vehicle to obtain warranty and part information. It will beappreciated that this information could also be accessed through a website of the manufacturer of the vehicle.

In still another variation of the above-described implementation, if acellular telephone is located in the vehicle, and the telephone isequipped with an RF transceiver 10 b, then any vehicle malfunctionscould be reported to the vehicle manufacturer or dealer via a wirelesslink established between the computer and the cellular phone. Thisinformation can be used to facilitate repair of the vehicle or thetracking of warranty information pertaining to the vehicle.

The computer could also be used to personalize the vehicle operation.For example, the vehicle owner could access a manufacturer's website toselect the desired operating parameters for the vehicle. Theseparameters could include selecting a 12 hour or 24 hour clock timedisplay, establishing station pre-selects for the vehicle radiooperation, selecting parameters related to the operation of the vehiclelights, enabling voice interactive messages generated by the vehicle, ora variety of other vehicle operating parameters. Once the operatingparameters are selected by the vehicle owner, the website could causethe owner's home computer (which is equipped with RF transceiver 10 a)to generate an RF signal that is sensed by the vehicle causing theparameters to be stored in a memory device in the vehicle.Alternatively, a compact disc could be provided to the vehicle ownerupon purchase of the vehicle, which can be used with the individual'shome computer to personalize the vehicle's functions. This informationcan then be transferred from the home computer to the vehicle via awireless link between the two RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b.

Referring to FIG. 9, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is shown in which the system 10 includes thefirst RF transceiver 10 a in communication with a user interface circuit88. The user interface circuit 88 is in turn linked for communicationvia a suitable bus 90 with a display system 22 and/or an audio system 20of the vehicle 14. The second RF transceiver 10 b is integrated with ahome PC 92. The home PC 92 is linked to the Internet.

The user uses the home PC 92 to retrieve information from the Internet(e.g., audio books, news, weather, music, etc.) at a convenient time.Once this information is received by the home PC 92 it is transmittedvia the high-speed wireless communications link between the two RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b automatically. For this to occur, it will beappreciated that the vehicle 14 will need to be parked in the proximatevicinity of the home PC 92 (i.e., within about 100 meters of the home PC92). In this regard it will also be appreciated that a suitable amountof random access memory (RAM) is provided in association with thedisplay 22 and/or the vehicle audio system 20 for storing theinformation. The user can then display or play back the informationwhile traveling in the vehicle 14 at the user's convenience. If the datais audio data, then it is played back through the vehicle audio system20. Even text information which is received may be converted to audioinformation if a suitable text-to-speech conversion circuit is provided.The information stored could comprise traffic information, dailycalendar reminders, appointments or events, e-mail messages, etc., inaddition to the book, news, weather and music information mentionedabove.

Referring to FIG. 10, the wireless communications system 10 can also beused to enable information relating to various “points of interest”along a route being traveled by the user. This information could also be“personalized” information for the user from an Internet-basedinformation service.

In this implementation, a cellular phone 98 is used by the user to makea connection with a wireless service organization 96. The cellular phone98 includes the first RF transceiver 10 a while the vehicle 14 includesthe second RF transceiver 10 b. A Global Positioning System (“GPS”)device 100 on-board the vehicle 14 can be used to transmitlatitude/longitude information to the cellular phone 98 over thewireless communications link established between the two RF transceivers10 a and 10 b. The cellular phone 98 in turn can be used to link thisinformation back to the wireless service organization 96. The wirelessservice organization 96 then transmits information on various points ofinterest near the vehicle's latitude and longitude coordinates back tothe cellular phone 98, which in turn transmits this information via awireless, high speed data link from its RF transceiver 10 a to the RFtransceiver 10 b. The information is then displayed on the vehicle'sdisplay 22 and/or played over the vehicle's audio system 20. The pointof interest information can include a wide variety of useful informationsuch as restaurants, shopping, service stations, hospitals and otherestablishments in the vicinity of the vehicle. The information could bedisplayed in a menu format in which the user is able to selectestablishments and is provided with directions on the display system 22to each establishment selected. Additional information concerningtraffic conditions, road construction, etc., could also be provided.

Referring to FIG. 11, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is illustrated where “Push” technology is usedto download information from the Internet automatically to the usertraveling in the vehicle 14. A cellular phone 98 having the first RFtransceiver 10 a of the wireless communications system 10 establishes anautomatic, high-speed wireless communications link with the second RFtransceiver 10 b located in the vehicle 14. The transceiver 10 b is incommunication with the vehicle's display system 22 and/or the vehicle'saudio system 20.

The wireless service organization 96 is linked to the Internet and tothe cellular phone 98. The user can use his/her home PC 92 (oralternatively a business PC) to create a “personalized” website throughone of the presently available Internet-based news/search companies sothat various personalized information such as selected financialinformation (i.e., stock price information), world or local news,traffic information along a specified route of travel, phone directoryor personal calendar information, weather information, e-mail, etc., canbe downloaded by the wireless service organization 96 and provided tothe cellular phone 98. The RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b can then beused to transmit the information to the vehicle's display system 22 oraudio system 20.

Referring to FIG. 12, a variation of the implementation shown in FIG. 11is illustrated in which existing “push” technology is used to downloadpersonalized information from an Internet based information service to asuitable electronic system located at or closely adjacent to a gasolinepump 101, or at a kiosk including the gasoline pump 101, when the usersvehicle 14 comes within the vicinity of the gasoline pump 101. In thisimplementation, the gasoline pump 101 includes the electronic device 12which includes the RF transceiver 10 b, and the vehicle 14 includes theRF transceiver 10 a. The RF transceiver 10 a is in communication withthe vehicle's display 22 and/or audio system 20. When the vehicle 14comes into reasonably close proximity (e.g., within 10 meters of thegasoline pump 101), the RF transceiver 10 a automatically establishes ahigh speed, wireless communications link with the RF transceiver 10 b ofthe electronic device 12. The RF transceiver 10 a transmits appropriateidentifying information to the RF transceiver 10 b via the automaticallyestablished wireless communications link. This information is thenlinked to the Internet-based information service. Information is thentransmitted back to the electronic system 12 associated with thegasoline pump 101. The information is then transmitted over the wirelesscommunications link to the RF transceiver 10 a located in the vehicle14. It will be appreciated that this personalized information could alsobe obtained from the Internet by establishing wireless communicationslinks with electronic devices located on road signs, freeway overpasses,at traffic lights and other points along a road or highway.

Referring to FIG. 13, another exemplary embodiment somewhat similar tothat described in connection with FIG. 12 is provided. Theimplementation of FIG. 13 enables the wireless communications system 10to provide a subset of map information needed for assisting a user ofthe vehicle 14 in traveling to a designated destination. In thisimplementation one RF transceiver 10 a is located in the vehicle 14 andthe other RF transceiver 10 b is integrated with a PC 92, which may belocated at the user's home or place of business. The user 14 can enter acommand from either the PC 92 or from a suitable keyboard or controlpanel within the vehicle 14, or even from a cellular phone carriedwithin the vehicle 14 and linked by two RF transceivers in accordancewith the exemplary embodiments described herein, requesting directionsfor traveling to a particular destination. This request is transmittedto an Internet-based information organization where it is thereafterdownloaded onto the PC 92. The information is then transmitted via thehigh-speed wireless communications link created by the RF transceivers10 a and 10 b back to the vehicle 14 where it may be displayed on thevehicle's display 22 or possibly played on the vehicle's audio system20. Since only a limited amount of information pertaining to thespecific directions requested is transmitted back to the vehicle 14,this significantly reduces the amount of memory required to be locatedon-board the vehicle 14. It will be appreciated that this mapinformation could just as easily be provided by linking to an electronicsubsystem associated with the gasoline pump 101 (FIG. 12) or at someother location if the user becomes lost and suddenly requires directionsto a different destination.

Referring now to FIG. 14, another implementation of the wirelesscommunications system 10 is provided in which information from abusiness or a company is “pushed” into a company vehicle 14 from acorporate message center or corporate PC 102. The information from thecorporate message center or PC 102 is transmitted via the Internet tothe wireless service organization 96. A communications link isestablished between the wireless service organization 96 and the user'scellular phone 98. The cellular phone 98 includes one RF transceiver 10a of the apparatus 10 and the vehicle 14 includes the second RFtransceiver 10 b. Again, the RF transceiver 10 b is in communicationwith the vehicle's display 22 and/or the vehicle's audio system 20.Important business information received by the cellphone 98 can then bedownloaded via the wireless communications link created by the RFtransceivers 10 a and 10 b to the user to apprise the user of importantcorporate news, events, scheduling or other information which needs totransmitted to the user on a timely basis. Again, this information couldbe replayed through suitable electronic relaying devices provided atgasoline pumps or at other points such as intersections, freewayoverpasses, etc. that the vehicle 14 is expected to pass in proximity toduring use.

According to an alternative embodiment, RF transceiver 10 b disposedwithin vehicle 14 can be a component in a wireless control system 112.Referring now to FIG. 15, vehicle 14 includes wireless control system112. Wireless control system 112, the exemplary embodiments of whichwill be described below, is mounted to an overhead console of vehicle14. Alternatively, one or more of the elements of wireless controlsystem 112 may be mounted to other vehicle interior elements, such as, avisor 114 or instrument panel 116.

Advantageously, wireless control system 112 is a common feature found inmany vehicles. Utilizing an existing transmitter minimizes installationof additional equipment and reduces production costs.

Referring now to FIG. 16, wireless control system 112 is illustratedalong with a remote electronic system 118 which may be any of aplurality of home electronic systems, such as, a garage door opener, asecurity gate control system, security lights, home lighting fixtures orappliances, a home security system, etc. For example, remote electronicsystem 118 may be a garage door opener, such as the Whisper Drive®garage door opener, manufactured by the Chamberlain Group, Inc.,Elmhurst, Ill. Remote electronic system 118 may also be a lightingcontrol system using the X10 communication standard. Remote electronicsystem 118 includes an antenna 128 for receiving activation signalsincluding control data which will control remote electronic system 118.The activation signals are preferably in the ultra-high frequency (UHF)band of the radio frequency spectrum, but may alternatively be infraredsignals or other wireless signals.

Wireless control system 112 includes a control circuit 130 configured tocontrol the various portions of system 112, to store data in memory, tooperate preprogrammed functionality, etc. Control circuit 130 mayinclude various types of control circuitry, digital and/or analog, andmay include a microprocessor, microcontroller, application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), or other circuitry configured to performvarious input/output, control, analysis, and other functions to bedescribed herein. Control circuit 130 is coupled to an operator inputdevice 132 which includes one or more push button switches 134 (see FIG.17), but may alternatively include other user input devices, such as,switches, knobs, dials, etc., or even a voice-actuated input controlcircuit configured to receive voice signals from a vehicle occupant andto provide such signals to control circuit 130 for control of system112. Trainable transceiver 112 further includes a memory 174, which maybe a volatile or non-volatile memory, and may include read only memory(ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other memory types.

Control circuit 130 is further coupled to a display 136 which includes alight-emitting diode (LED), such as, display element 138. Display 136may alternatively include other display elements, such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD), a vacuum florescent display (VFD), etc.

Trainable transceiver 112 further includes RF transceiver 10 b includingtransmit and/or receive circuitry configured to communicate via antenna18 with remote electronic system 118. RF transceiver 10 b is configuredto transmit wireless control signals having control data which willcontrol remote electronic system 118. RF transceiver 10 b is configured,under control from control circuit 130, to generate a carrier frequencyat any of a number of frequencies in the ultra-high frequency range,preferably between 260 and 470 megaHertz (MHz), wherein the control datamodulated on to the carrier frequency signal may be frequency shift key(FSK) or amplitude shift key (ASK) modulated, or may use anothermodulation technique. The control data on the wireless control signalmay be a fixed code or a rolling code or other cryptographically encodedcontrol code suitable for use with home electronic system 118.

Trainable transceiver 112 further includes the vehicle interface system24. As stated above, vehicle interface system 24 can be configured fortwo way communications via data bus 26 with various electronicsubsystems of the vehicle 14 such as the Electronic Control Module (ECM)28, the fuel sensor 30, the exhaust sensor 32, the wheel speed sensor 34or virtually any other form of sensor which provides an electronicoutput signal related to its operation. Additionally, vehicle interfacesystem 24 can also provide communication with any other system notincluding a sensor. Systems can include a vehicle information center, acellular phone system, a vehicle navigation system, a Travelnote®system, etc. The systems and devices can be positioned external towireless communication system 112 such that they are not connected by awired connection to control circuit 130.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an exemplary trainable transceiver 112 isillustrated coupled to a vehicle interior element, namely a visor 114.Visor 114 is of conventional construction, employing a substantiallyflat, durable interior surrounded by a cushioned or leather exterior.Trainable transceiver 112 is mounted or fixedly coupled to visor 114 byfasteners, such as, snap fasteners, barbs, screws, bosses, etc. andincludes a molded plastic body 58 having three push button switchesdisposed therein. Each of the switches includes a respective back-liticon 140, 142, 144. Body 158 further includes a logo 160 inscribed in orprinted on body 158 and having an display element 138 disposedtherewith. During training and during operation, display element 138 isselectively lit by control circuit 130 (FIG. 16) to communicate certaininformation to the user, such as, whether a training process wassuccessful, whether the control system 112 is transmitting a wirelesscontrol signal, etc. The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is merelyexemplary, and alternative embodiments may take a variety of shapes andsizes, and have a variety of different elements.

In operation, trainable transceiver 112 is configured to receive one ormore characteristics of an activation signal sent from an originaltransmitter. The original transmitter is a transmitter, typically ahand-held transmitter, which is sold with remote electronic system 118or as an after-market item, and which is configured to transmit anactivation signal at a predetermined carrier frequency and havingcontrol data configured to actuate remote electronic system 119. Forexample, the original transmitter can be a hand-held garage door openertransmitter configured to transmit a garage door opener signal at afrequency, such as 355 megaHertz (MHz), wherein the activation signalhas control data, which can be a fixed code or acryptographically-encoded code. Remote electronic system 118 isconfigured to open a garage door, for example, in response to receivingthe activation signal from the original transmitter.

Trainable transceiver 118 is configured to receive one or morecharacteristics of the activation signal from a original transmitter orfrom another source, which characteristics can include the frequency,control data, modulation scheme, etc. In this embodiment, trainabletransceiver is configured to learn at least one characteristic of theactivation signal by receiving the activation signal, determining thefrequency of the activation signal, and demodulating the control datafrom the activation signal. Trainable transceiver 112 can be a HomeLink®trainable transceiver and may be constructed according to one or moreembodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,091,343, U.S. Pat. No.5,854,593 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,708,415, which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety. Alternatively, trainable transceiver 112can receive one or more characteristics of the activation signal byother methods of learning. For example, the one or more characteristicsof the activation signal can be preprogrammed into memory 174 duringmanufacture of trainable transceiver 112 or can be input via operatorinput device 132 (which can include a key pad, buttons, etc.). In thismanner, trainable transceiver 112 need not actually receive theactivation signal in order to receive the characteristics of the signalby any of these methods and store the characteristics of the activationsignal in memory 174.

According to one exemplary embodiment, trainable transceiver 112 isfixedly coupled to a vehicle interior element. This fixed couplingprovides a convenient location for a trainable transmitter in vehicle14, and further prevents an operator from losing, misplacing, dropping,or otherwise losing control of trainable transceiver 112. The term“fixedly coupled” refers to the characteristic that trainabletransceiver 112 is not removable from the vehicle interior element,though it may be moved within the vehicle interior element (for example,in a sliding configuration).

While the exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the FIGS. anddescribed herein, it should be understood that these embodiments areoffered by way of example only. For example, alternative embodiments maybe suitable for use in the commercial market, wherein office lights orsecurity systems or parking garage doors are controlled. Accordingly,the described features are not limited to a particular embodiment, butextend to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scopeof the appended claims.

It will be appreciated than that an extremely large variety of usefulimplementations of the wireless communications system 112 may becreated. While the Bluetooth communications standard or the SWAP-CAstandard may be used with the RF transceivers 10 a and 10 b, it will beappreciated that other communications specifications may also beemployed. Additionally, while many of the implementations describedherein have made use of a motor vehicle, it will be appreciated that theRF transceivers 10 a and 10 b could just as easily be used to effecthigh-speed wireless communications links between virtually any twoelectronic devices which come into proximity with one another, and whereit would be useful to transfer information from one device to the other.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings herein can be implemented in avariety of forms. Therefore, while the described features have beendescribed in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scopeof the features should not be so limited since other modifications willbecome apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawingsand the present specification.

1. A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with aremote electronic system, the wireless control system comprising: atransceiver for mounting in the vehicle and configured to communicateaccording to a bi-directional data communications protocol that operatesin the 2.4 GHz ISM RF band; and a control circuit for learning a carrierfrequency and control information expected by the remote electronicsystem; wherein the control circuit is further configured to cause thetransceiver to transmit a control signal to the remote electronic systemaccording to the learned carrier frequency, the control information, orthe learned carrier frequency and the control information; wherein thecontrol circuit causes the transceiver to transmit the control signal tothe remote electronic system using a cryptographically encoded rollingcode for use with the remote electronic system; wherein the transceiveris configured to form a wireless data communications link with a deviceexternal the vehicle and wherein the transceiver is configured toreceive a code via the wireless data communications link and to providethe code to the control circuit, wherein the control signal is based onthe received code.
 2. The wireless control system of claim 1, whereinthe remote electronic system is a garage door opener.
 3. The wirelesscontrol system of claim 2, further comprising: memory for storing thelearned carrier frequency and control information.
 4. The wirelesscontrol system of claim 1, wherein the remote electronic system is oneof a garage door opener, a security system, and a lighting system. 5.The wireless control system of claim 1, wherein the control circuitcauses the transceiver to transmit a control signal at a frequency ofbetween 260 and 470 MHz.
 6. A control system for use in a vehicle andfor controlling a remote electronic system, the control systemcomprising: a transceiver configured to send and receive informationaccording to a bi-directional data communications protocol that operatesin the 2.4 GHz ISM RF band; wherein the transceiver is configured tooperate as a trainable transmitter by transmitting a control signalusing a cryptographically encoded rolling code for controlling theremote electronic system; and a control circuit configured to controlthe trainable transmitter; wherein the transceiver is configured to forma wireless data communications link with a device external the vehicleand wherein the transceiver is configured to receive a code via thewireless data communications link and to provide the code to the controlcircuit, the control circuit configured to cause the trainabletransmitter to transmit the control signal for controlling the remoteelectronic system, the control signal based on the code.
 7. The controlsystem of claim 6, wherein the device is a mobile phone or a personaldigital assistant.